Abstract
A conceptual and developmental paper submitted for consideration to the Cultural and Creative Industries Track in the BAM 2024 main conference proceedings. This developmental paper aims to problematize unpaid work in the Cultural and Creative Industry (CCI) in the post COVID-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crises, whilst considering the implications of continued Internship use as CCIs are forecast to grow in economic significance by 2030. The paper questions how CCIs can become more inclusive and accessible for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and considers the growing societal pressure lobbying unpaid work in the UK, with specific reference to the Labour Party’s 2024 manifesto. This paper will be developed as social pressure, policy and industry react; whilst the BAM presentation will provide insight from new empirical data.